Infections caused by fungus are very common; several millions of people are infected by it every year. Vaginal infections, oral thrushes and skin conditions are typical examples of fungal attacks. There are also some forms of fungi which can spread without much signs or symptoms. Diagnosis is done by biopsy, culture or medical imaging. Antifungal drugs are widely used to stop the progression of such infections. These drugs are available in the form of pills, shots or as creams. In some acute cases of infections, infected tissues are surgically removed to stop fungal growth. Fluconazole is an antifungal drug used for a range of infections caused by yeast as well as fungi. This drug may also trigger a few side effects; it is helpful to know about the nature of these adverse reactions and undesired side effects.
Fungi are present in almost all places. They live on your skin, in your body, on trees and inside the soil. They can also be found in air as well as on surfaces. Millions of these organisms are already known to clinical sciences; however, only a few of its species are known to cause infections. On your skin, an infection can look like rashes. Typical signs of a fungal infection resemble a lot with a few other conditions; owing to this, a correct diagnosis may take some time. Infections in lungs can lead to serious outcomes, resulting in conditions identical to tuberculosis or a spell of pneumonia.
Harmful variants of this microorganism are present in soil, air as well as dust. You may get infected while working in your garden or while you visit caves (especially, caves where bats live). However, not all people who inhale or get exposed to fungi may witness an infection. In general, people who have a weak immune system or those who live with implants are more likely to get infected. Those who take medications to lessen the immunity levels – drugs like immune-suppressants or chemotherapeutic meds – or those living with a compromised immunity (due to conditions like HIV AIDS) may also be at risk.
Fluconazole – An antifungal drug
This drug is widely used for its antifungal properties; it can work against a wide range of infections such as oral thrushes, yeast formation in vagina, food pipe or throat. Fluconazole can also be administered to people who are experiencing a spell of fungal attack due to radiation therapies or intake of cancer drugs. It can be taken for the treatment of meningitis – a serious condition affecting the protective membranes of your spine and brain. This antifungal drug is categorized under a class of meds known as triazoles. The key function of these drugs is to reduce the spread and further progression of fungi.
Fluconazole is taken orally; it is available as a pill or a liquid (suspended) form. No two persons i.e., among those who are experiencing fungal infections – are administered with the same dosage plan. In general, strength and duration of dosages depend on your age, nature of infection and also on how well your body responds to the initial doses. The first few doses may lead to a mild reduction of infections; however, if infection remains the same or is getting worse, you are advised to talk to your treating physician. It is a good practice to continue the doses till your physician advises you to discontinue them. Also, if you witness some initial relief, you need to continue taking this drug. People who stopped in the interim have witnessed a relapse of fungal infections.
Side effects of fluconazole
This antifungal drug is known to cause a few side effects. The most common side effects include indigestion, pain in the lower abdomen, acid reflux or heartburn, headaches, an altered sense of taste, feeling dizzy, etc. Most of these side effects may disappear once your body gets used to this drug. But, if one or more of these side effects persist for long, you are advised to talk to the treating doctor immediately. Fluconazole may also cause a few acute discomforts such as a marked drop in appetite, discoloration of eyes and skin, acute spell of tiredness, internal bleeding or bruising. In some very rare instances, this drug has triggered very adverse side effects like fits, seizures or convulsions, infections resembling flu, etc. Upon observing any of these acute reactions, it is important to seek medical help on an emergency basis.
Very rarely, fluconazole may trigger a few allergic reactions. These adverse reactions are itchiness, formation of rashes on skin or hives, scaling of skin, blisters, inflammation of facial organs like eyes, lips, etc. In equally rare instances, fluconazole may cause breathing problems such as wheezing or gasping. It is important to remember that the abovementioned side effects, adverse reactions and allergies do not constitute a complete list of all possible discomforts. It is hence likely that a few unknown or unlisted side effects may show up. It is extremely important to inform your medical team upon experiencing any such unlisted side effects.
How to minimise or avoid side effects of fluconazole?
Foremost of all, your doctor needs to know about the other drugs you are currently taking. It is a good practice to make a list of all meds that you are taking presently. While compiling this list, ensure to add over the counter (OTC) drugs, prescription medications, herbal or dietary supplements, vitamins, etc.
Co-administration of a few medications can trigger harmful side effects
Your treating physician may advise you not to take drugs like quinidine, erythromycin or meds like cisapride. Quinidine is administered for managing erratic heartbeats or other antiarrhythmic conditions; this drug also has a few other uses including treatment of malaria, etc. Erythromycin belongs to a category of macrolide antibiotics. Its antibacterial properties are used for treating a wide range of microbial infections such as skin conditions, infections in the respiratory airways, inflammatory conditions of the pelvic floor, etc. On the other hand, cisapride is used for the treatment of acid reflux or heartburn; this drug is used as one of the last options – i.e., when all other treatments for heartburns have failed to yield desired relief.
Prior medical conditions
It is essential to share details about your medical history as well as your family’s clinical history. Your doctor must know if you have had prior incidence of autoimmune conditions such as cancers, low levels of minerals like sodium, magnesium, potassium or calcium, erratic heartbeats, increased pulse rates, etc. Those who are living with diabetes, serious renal health conditions, hepatic disorders like hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver and cardiac conditions need to tell about these conditions to their medical team. Last but not least, if you are having congenital conditions such as being allergic to sucrose or lactose, your doctor needs to be kept informed.
Pregnancy
Fluconazole is likely to harm your fetus if taken while you are pregnant. Hence, your doctor needs to be told if you are planning to become pregnant or if you have already become pregnant. It is a safe practice to use needful birth control pills or other measures while taking this antifungal drug. As an extended safety measure, you may need to continue using birth control methods for upto 10 days from the date of stopping to take fluconazole or other such antifungal drugs.
Surgical or dental interventions
Fluconazole can react adversely with anesthetic drugs administered prior to surgical procedures. So, if you are planning to undergo a surgery, your surgeon needs to be informed of the doses taken and the duration of your medical plan. In general, your surgical team will advise discontinuation of fluconazole at least for 10 days prior to the date of the surgery. Similarly, a few dental procedures may require administration of anesthesia; in such cases also, your dentist may advise stopping the dosages of antifungals (like fluconazole) during the run-up time of the dental procedure.
On a related note, drowsiness and feeling dizzy are common side effects of fluconazole. Such side effects are major reasons why this drug is never co-administered with anesthesia. It is a safe practice not to drive or work on machines while you are taking this drug. In general, you are advised to keep away from performing activities which may require high level of concentration or mental focus.
Allergies
As a precautionary measure, you are advised to inform your doctor about prior allergic reactions caused by antifungal meds such as – say, ketoconazole, itraconazole, etc. Also, you need to tell your pharmacist and physician if you are beginning to take any new drugs along with fluconazole. If the new medication plans include blood thinning drugs or anticoagulating meds such as warfarin, statins for decreasing blood cholesterol levels, water pills or diuretics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen, ibuprofen, etc., your medical team must be made aware of such changes. Your doctor may alter the dosages of the drugs while you are taking fluconazole. Not stopping with such altered doses, your health conditions may need to be kept under continued monitoring. Such attention can help in offering timely care if acute or near-fatal conditions show up.
Risks of overdose of fluconazole
If you have forgotten to take a dose, you are advised not to take a double dose of this drug. Instead, skip the dose you forgot and pursue with your regular dosages. Intake of such double doses may trigger an overdosed medical condition. Signs of an overdose of fluconazole include respiratory problems such as wheezing or shortness of breath. In some people, an excessive dose has caused fits or epileptic seizures. Upon noticing any of these acute side effects, it is strongly recommended to seek medical attention on an emergency basis.
In sum, fluconazole is known to trigger a few adverse side effects. Most common among them are pain in abdomen, heartburns, altered sense of taste, dizziness and headache. Many of these undesired reactions may not show up once your system gets used to the active ingredients. If side effects persist for a longer duration, talk to the treating doctor immediately. Those living in the US need to call 911 as soon as possible. Residents of Canada are advised to call Health Canada quickly.
Education: Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from the University of Michigan. Experience: Over 8 years of experience writing for health and wellness websites, including WebMD and Healthline, specializing in women’s health and nutrition.
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